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[lily71]

Hi all
I'm 43 so wasn't expecting it for maybe another 7 years at least.
My main concern is osteoporosis. The doctor didn't mention it, nor did she suggest I take anything for my bones.
Any advice?
xx

[Dancinggirl]

Hi and welcome to MM lily71
You are in the right place for help and support.
Do read up al the info under the  headings to the left of this screen.  There is a section about premature menopause or premature ovarian failure which should be helpful for you - it's in red near the top.
The important thing for you is to use HRT  for at last the next 7-9 years and possibly beyond unless there are health reason that prevent you using it. Up until our early 50s we would normally be producing oestrogen and you are right to be concerned about your bones as oestrogen deficiency can lead to several long term health problems. HRT will protect, not only your bones, but also your heart.  HRT will also help prevent vaginal atrophy and bladder problems.
I do hope your doctor is recommending HRT but if not then ask to be referred to a menopause clinic or gynaecologist for specialist advice.
I had a premature menopause which started in my mid 30s.  I have been on and off HRT fro the last 20 years. I'm now 58 and have tried a couple of breaks from HRT but feel so much better on HRT than off I hope to be using it for some years to come.
DG x

[Kathleen]

Hello lily71 and welcome to the forum.

I agree with everything that Dancinggirl has said. I am amazed that GPs don't offer HRT automatically to women under 50. A friend of mine started having problems in her late thirties but her Doctor dismissed her concerns, now ten years later that same Doctor has told her that she should have been having some treatment for her heart and bones.

I hope you get the help that you are looking for and keep us updated.

K.

[Millykin]

I agree too. I was 41 when diagnosed and tried HRT that one didn't suit me and I was adamant that I wasn't going to use it again. My GP tried to talk me round but I said no so she said I need calcium supplements which I took. Since then I am back on HRT Femoston a more suited one so I have protection for bones x

[Dorothy]

Hello,  I hope you get the help you need from your doctor.  This forum is a great place to ask for advice too as everyone is so helpful and friendly. 

[Hurdity]

Hi lily71

 

I agree with the others - you definitely need HRT at your age to help prevent osteoporosis!

Hurdity x

[Kittyjay]

Hi Lily71
I'm same age as you and was diagnosed early menopause 2 years ago. My gp said I needed HRT immediately-oestrogen to protect heart and bones and progesterone as I still have uterus etc. he said I'd need to take it until the normal menopause age of 52 and then review it after that. If you think- it's only replacing what our bodies have stopped making too early! In short I've tried a few HRT and now am settled with one. May be worth going back to chat with your gp armed with info from here!  x

[CLKD]

  let us know how you get on!

[BrightLight]

Hi Lily  I am 44 and have just been given the same news.  My GP has advised to do a re-test blood test and then talk about HRT.

At the bottom of this link on the NHS website it outlines the treatment  - although it says under 40 years on this page, it says under 45 on another   I have found it all a little confusing so far - have another chat with your GP, I don't think it's something you should just be told and then 'get on with it'.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Menopause/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[lily71]

Hi all!
What lovely ladies you all are 
I apologise for the delayed response. Thanks to your advice I have booked myself another appointment, with a particular doctor who I really like and trust and I'm going for a second opinion on (of all days!) Friday 13th 
I will report back after that appointment.
Thank you all once again xxxxx

[lily71]

Oh and by the way, the reason that first doctor gave me for not recommending HRT is because there's a "high risk of cancer"
xxx

[BrightLight]

Hi Lily
I have been given lots of information by the ladies on here and there is masses on the tabs to the left of the page - you can read about what risks there are with HRT and also whether you might have any contraindications in your own health status or family status that might raise those risks.  Then there are the risks of not taking it. 

I have realised that the only point you can perhaps really work this out is to have a good chat with a doctor and assess the risk with everything taken into account and also be told of the benefits and weigh it all up from there so that you feel comfortable with your choice.

Great that you have a doctor you feel you can trust - perhaps ignore the date of the appointment

[Dancinggirl]

Hi lily71 - Oh dear! I'm afraid that first doctor was not up to date on the latest findings. The breast cancer risk is very, very small up to the age of 60 and at your age the increased risk of cancer doesn't really apply.  At your age HRT would simply be replacing the oestrogen your body should be producing naturally - so if you take HRT your risk of breast cancer is no greater than any other women up to the age of 50-55.
When you see this other GP do ask about your risks of long term health problems from oestrogen deficiency. If at 43 you are low on oestrogen you are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis, heart disease, vaginal atrophy and bladder problems. The general advice should be that any women with low oestrogen below the natural age of menopause should be offered HRT unless there is a close family member who has had breast cancer.

If you are prescribed HRT do try something like Femoston 1/10 as the progesterone is kinder and well tolerated by many women - the old fashioned types of HRT like Prempak are cheaper but can bring more side effects. It may also be a good idea to go for a sequential form of HRT to start with.  Perhaps print off stuff from this site and do write down your questions so you don't forget anything.  BTW FRiday 13th is my lucky day! Good luck  Dg x

[Joanne.rose]

Hi lily, me too! Started going through it at 43 last year, it was the biggest shock of my life and wasn't expecting this for about another 10 years! I'm 44 now, got my head around it but I have to say I had no idea it could have so many awful symptoms or make you feel this bad!!

[Dancinggirl]

Hi joanne.rose and welcome to MM
Do read up all the stuff on this site to get really clued up.  We are all here to support you so do start your own thread and share your story. Is your GP being helpful? Are you considering HRT?  You are too young to be struggling without some oestrogen to replace what is missing.  We know there have been lots of cancer scares but if you look at the actual studies most of these have been vastly overplayed by the press and really don't apply to women of your age. HRT can and does help a great many women.  DG x